The crossover segment has been heating up lately, and it’s easy to understand why. A crossover combines the best elements of cars, SUVs, and minivans into a practical, multi-functional vehicle. They’re excellent for people who enjoy the feel of a car, but prefer the high seating-position and extra utility of an SUV. Plus, not only are they more fuel-efficient than larger SUVs, but several of them also offer comparable cargo capacity. In this article, we’ve listed the crossovers with the most space. Keep reading to find your favourite!

#1 2018 Honda HR-V

Max cargo volume – rear seats up/down (L): 688/1,665

Go Auto Price: $26,975 – $33,200

ADVANTAGES

Class-leading cargo capacity

Fuel-efficient powertrain

Attractive design

Spacious cabin

The first on our list of crossovers with the most space is the 2018 Honda HR-V. Named one of Edmund’s Best Small SUVs for 2018, the HR-V is a top contender in the crossover segment. What’s more, it also happens to be unmatched when it comes to cargo hauling. Now in its third year since first appearing on the scene, the HR-V is a big-seller in Honda’s lineup. Along with its innovative cargo solutions, it boasts class-leading fuel economy ratings, plenty of standard options, and an eye-catching design. A jack of all trades, the HR-V is practical beyond its segment. For that reason, it’s one of our favourite picks on this list.

We have Honda’s innovative folding mechanism, the “Magic Seat”, to thank for the 2018 HR-V’s capacious cargo storage capabilities. There are a couple ways these seats can arrange themselves. The rear seats can fold down completely flat, allowing for easy storage of larger items. Also, they can fold upwards, so you can haul stuff behind the front seats. It’s a handy trick if you need to stow delicate objects separately from whatever you have in the trunk space.

The flat bottom of the trunk space makes for worry-free transportation of flat objects, like flat-screens. And for added versatility, the front passenger seat folds down flat, so you can load long items hassle-free. Finally, lifting heavy objects into the back of the HR-V is made easy by a conveniently low lift-over height.

FUEL-EFFICIENT AND FULL OF FEATURES

Aside from its clever cargo options, there’s a lot more about the HR-V to be excited about. First, its engine is charismatic and fuel-efficient to boot. It’s a 141 horsepower 1.8-litre, 16-valve, 4-cylinder engine. It achieves a segment-leading 8.3 L/100km in the city, 7.1 L/100km on the highway, and 7.7 L/100km combined.

The engine can be paired with a six-speed manual transmission, but the available continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) is more efficient and is needed should you want all-wheel drive.

On their own, cargo capacity and fuel economy make the 2018 HR-V an attractive pick. But it’s the laundry list of sought-after features that confirm the 2018 HR-V’s spot at the top of this list. Standard and available features include:

17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels

Available fog lights

Heated power side mirrors with available integrated LED turn indicators

Available one-touch moonroof

Multi-reflector halogen headlights

Front wiper de-icer

Lane Departure Warning system

Forward Collision Warning system

7-inch touchscreen display audio system available with HondaLink, navigation, and bilingual voice recognition

Multi-angle rearview camera

Honda LaneWatch blind spot display

Practical in size, versatile in cargo storage, and conservative in fuel consumption, the 2018 HR-V is one to watch this year.

#2 2018 Nissan Qashqai

Max cargo volume – rear seats up/down (L): 544/1,730

Go Auto Price: $24,148– $34,383

ADVANTAGES

Clever cargo solutions

Lots of standard features

Easy-to-use infotainment system

Good on gas

Second on our list of crossovers with the most space we have the 2018 Nissan Qashqai. Smaller and more affordable than the larger SUVs Nissan offers, like the Rogue and the Murano, the Qashqai is affordable, good on gas, and has class-above cargo capacity. It has plenty of advanced safety and driver assist equipment, and the intelligently designed interior can seat five adults comfortably.

When it comes to cargo, the Qashqai’s best asset is its flexible Divide-N-Hide storage system. With it, you can configure the storage area precisely how you want it. It has panels that can be set in various positions in the trunk space. These allow you to stash delicate items safely without worrying about them rolling around while you drive. Plus, it’s super handy to have when you want to stash valuables out of sight.

What’s more, the 60/40 rear-seats fold down completely flat, giving you a total storage space as large as any competitor. But even with the seats up, there’s still an impressive amount of space. Lastly, the Qashqai’s legroom and headspace is nothing to worry about unless you come from a family of Yao Mings. In which case, you would have a tough time fitting in any vehicle.

SOLID INFOTAINMENT AND ALL-WHEEL DRIVE

Under the hood, power comes from a commendable 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine that produces 141 horsepower and 147 lb-ft of torque. That’s nothing to brag about, but it’s more than enough for everyday driving.

After that, drivers can look forward to their Qashqai being winter ready with an advanced all-wheel drive system. Nissan’s Intelligent All-Wheel Drive is standard to the top SL trim, and it is also optional to the lower two trims. It reacts quickly to changing road conditions, and will send power to the wheels that need it for optimal traction.

In terms of fuel economy, the Qashqai can achieve 8.8 L/100km in the city, and 7.3 L/100km on the highway. That’s at its best, equipped with Nissan’s Xtronic CVT transmission system and front-wheel drive. All-wheel drive brings those numbers up to 9.0 L/100km in the city, and 7.5 L/100 on the highway. Eco Mode is standard, and it adjusts engine and transmission response to maximize fuel economy.

Another thing the 2018 Qashqai stands out for is its generous offering of features, many of them coming standard. Where infotainment is concerned, the Qashqai has one of the best systems out there. Lower trims get a 5.0-inch colour display, while the top trim comes with a standard 7.0-inch touchscreen version. In addition, active safety and driver assist tech is on par with the best of its class. Specifically, drivers have access to:

Intelligent cruise control

Rear cross traffic alert

Blind sport warning

Moving object detection

Intelligent around-view monitor

Intelligent emergency braking with pedestrian detection

In sum, the Qashqai is a crossover with a personality. It’s great for maneuvering around busy city streets, and can function as a road trip wagon just as easily.

#3 2018 Mazda CX-3

Max cargo volume – rear seats up/down (L): 452/1,528

Go Auto Price: $21,290 – $33,195

ADVANTAGES

Excellent road manners

Sharp, responsive handling

Good safety scores

Lots of standard entertainment tech

Next on our list of crossovers with the most space is the 2018 Mazda CX-3. Drive the CX-3 around long enough, and you’ll start to think you’re driving a sporty sedan instead of a crossover. Its sharp handling and potent but fuel-efficient engine make for an unrivaled driving experience. Cargo space is slightly underwhelming on the spec sheet when compared to the HR-V and other segment leaders. But that said, it’s still quite large, and with the rear-seats folded down, your storage options improve drastically.

CLASS-LEADING PERFORMANCE STANDARDS

Performance is where the 2018 CX-3 excels. It draws power from a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder engine that produces 146 horsepower. That engine is paired to either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission. As well, all-wheel drive is available to all trims. In terms of fuel economy, it can achieve 8.2 L/100km in the city, and 6.9 L/100km on the highway. The CX-3 is most at home on a curvy back road, where you can really enjoy its sharp, responsive handling.

Most notably, this year’s CX-3 saw the introduction of Mazda’s award-winning G-Vectoring Control system. It makes for an effortless, smooth drive by adjusting engine torque at the right moments, giving you optimal control over the CX-3. All car manufacturers like to brag each new piece of tech they develop. The difference, this time, is that G-Vectoring technology is worth the hype.

In line with the rest of the Mazda lineup, safety is a non-issue for the CX-3. It was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS. Additionally, it was awarded a five-star overall safety rating (the highest possible) by the NHTSA. Stepping beyond crash test scores, available and standard active safety and driver assist features include:

Emergency Brake Assist

Dynamic Stability Control

Advanced Blind Sport Monitoring system

Rear Cross Traffic Alert

Lane Departure Warning system

Traffic Sign Recognition system

… the list goes on.

Cargo space may not be as good as its rivals, but the Mazda CX-3 is still a highly practical machine. So, if cargo hauling isn’t your priority, but cruising down curvy roads is, this might be the crossover for you.

#4 2018 Kia Soul

Max cargo volume – rear seats up/down (L): 532/1,402

Go Auto Price: $21,750 – $28,512

ADVANTAGES

Unique styling

Plenty of small item storage options

Roomy, comfortable cabin

Premium infotainment system

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility

A trio of impressive engine options

Well-priced

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, chances are you already know about the Kia Soul. It’s immediately recognizable by its unique, out-of-the-box design. But what you probably don’t know, is that the Soul has an intelligently-designed interior, and has tons of high-tech features.

Further to that, the Soul offers plenty of practical cargo options. There’s no shortage of small-item storage, and when the 60/40 rear-seats are folded down, the packing possibilities open wide up. Another positive is that the rear-hatch opens very wide, which takes away the difficulty of loading large and oddly-shaped objects. There’s an additional cargo under tray beneath the floor of the trunk too.

Even if you’re not a fan of the Soul’s exterior design, you’ll forget all about it once you get inside. With a host of high tech features and quality materials on all trims, the Soul’s interior is a class-best. In addition to an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system that’s compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, you have access to:

Harman Kardon premium audio system

Leather-wrapped steering wheel

Dual USB charge ports

Blind spot detection

Push button start

Autonomous emergency braking

Wide-angled rearview camera

LED interior lighting

EXCELLENT SAFETY RATINGS AND STRONG ENGINES

Another aspect that sets the Soul apart from the competition is its safety standards. The NHTSA gave it a five-star rating (out of a possible five stars). As well, the Soul now has advanced safety tech, like autonomous emergency braking and blind spot detection. All this to say that you can confidently tick safety off your checklist when evaluating the Soul.

Safety aside, the Soul provides a trio of impressive engine options. Each is equal or more powerful than the competition, yet all are just as efficient. Engine options include:

1.6-litre, GDI 4-cylinder

2.0-litre, GDI 4-cylinder

1.6-litre GDI turbocharged 4-cylinder

The first delivers 130 horsepower, while the second in the list delivers 161 horsepower. Already, that puts the 2018 Soul above the class average. But the turbocharged engine is the preferred choice, easily outpowering the competition with 201 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque.

Most importantly, though, the extra power doesn’t come at the expense of fuel economy. At its best, the 2018 Soul makes 9.1 L/100km in the city, and 7.7 L/100km on the highway. That’s with the turbocharged engine and the slick-shifting 7-speed automatic transmission driving it.

JDPower named the Soul one of the “Highest Ranked Compact Multi-Purpose Vehicle in Initial Quality” for a third year in a row. That doesn’t come as a surprise when you consider everything it offers. It has a unique design, a top-of-the-line entertainment equipment, and enough cargo space to handle those spontaneous trips to IKEA. Altogether, the 2018 Kia Soul is easily one of the best compact crossovers on the road today.

#5 2018 Hyundai Kona

Max cargo volume – rear seats up/down (L): 544/1,296

Go Auto Price: $22,804 – $26,554

ADVANTAGES

Attractive design

Standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility

Good value for your dollar

Fuel-efficient

Excellent safety standards

Last on our list of crossovers with the most space is the 2018 Hyundai Kona. The Kona is Hyundai’s first jump into the rapidly expanding crossover segment. It’s new on the scene, and rings in at the reasonable starting price of $20,999 (MSRP). It’s marketed towards a younger crowd and city drivers. But the Kona’s appeal extends to any fan of agile driving, premium entertainment features, fuel-efficiency, and clever cargo solutions.

There’s plenty of useable space in the Kona. With the seats up, the trunk space will have more than enough room to fit a couple hockey bags. And for additional space, the 60/40 split rear seats fold down. It’s most comparable to the Kia Soul in terms of how much space there is and how it can be used. Which is to say that it’s quite versatile.

Inside, there’s as much space and advanced tech as any of its competitors. A 7-inch touchscreen audio system comes standard, while an 8.0-inch touchscreen with built-in navigation is available. With it, you can stream music, talk handsfree via Bluetooth, and back into tight parking spaces with the rearview camera.

Another hit factor is that Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard on every model. Normally, you’d have to pay extra to get Apple CarPlay and Android Auto with rival vehicles. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is the safe way to use your smartphone while driving. With it, you can get directions, make calls, listen to your music, and send and receive texts with ease.

Additional standard and available features include:

Automatic climate control

Power sunroof

Proximity key with push-button ignition

Infinity audio system

Heated front seats and steering wheel

FUN TO DRIVE AND FUEL-EFFICIENT

The Kona’s standard engine is a 2.0-litre that delivers 147 horsepower. But for a bigger kick, opt for the available 1.6-litre turbocharged engine that produces 175 horsepower. When paired to the 7-speed Dual Clutch Transmission and all-wheel drive, it’s ready to tackle all driving conditions.

What’s more, with Drive Mode Select, you can choose from three different driving modes to fit your preferred driving style. The Kona will adjust throttle response and steering effort to accommodate you. At its best, the Kona manages 8.6 L/100km in the city, 7.0 L/100km on the highway, and 7.9 L/100km combined.

In line with its competitors, the Kona has plenty of high-tech safety equipment. It was built with Hyundai’s ultra-rigid vehicle chassis, the Superstructure. It’s made with advanced high strength steel, so it’s stronger as well as lighter. That helps improve fuel economy and boosts safety. Beyond that, there’s also:

Autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian detection

Blind spot detection with lane change assist

Rear parking sensors

Lane departure warning with lane keep assist

… and that’s just the short version of the list.

All in all, the 2018 Kona is simply impressive. For a closer look, read our in-depth review.

Find the Crossover That’s Right for You

A crossover is a smart choice for a vehicle, particularly if you live an active lifestyle, and if you live in a city like Edmonton, where we experience snowy winters. Each pick on this list of crossovers with the most space has its advantages, and each is bound to turn heads on the road. To find the one that’s right for you, visit us online by clicking here, or give us a call at 780-777-7777. Our automotive experts are here to help you with all your car needs.